Lexington, SC 01/24/2022 - Lexington High Student Mary Grace Copeland won first-place in the Voice of Democracy competition for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of South Carolina. Copeland received a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. She also has the opportunity to compete at the national level, where she could earn the first place $30,000 scholarship prize.
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves through a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay; this year’s theme, “America: Where Do We Go From Here?”
In addition to Grace's win, River Bluff High Teacher Michael Burgess recently received the 2021–22 High School Teacher of the Year for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of South Carolina. In his nomination, Burgess was noted as being a teacher who strives to develop a high-quality curriculum by promoting American history and pursuing programs that embody his work as a true historian. He participates in historical research, visits historical sites and attends workshops related to U.S. history, all regularly utilized in his lesson plans.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of S.C. selects elementary, middle and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
